3 day Albanian Riviera Tour from Tirana, including Ksamil beach

History & Nice to know - 3 day Albanian Riviera Tour from Tirana, including Ksamil beach

The Albanian Riviera is one of the most beautiful coastal areas in Europe. Yet many tourists are not yet familiar with the stunning beaches of along the Ionian Sea, therefore, it remains quiet and untouched.

On the tour, you will visit the most gorgeous beaches of the Albanian Riviera. You will explore touristic highlights like the Blue Eye of Albania and Ksamil beach. And see hidden gems like Zvernec Island and Jala beach. Moreover, the tour guide can customize the experience for you, to meet your preferences.

 

• Spectacular views along the Albanian Riviera coast
• Plenty of free time to swim and sunbathe at the beaches
• Great-value tour: includes accommodation, breakfast, and entrance fees
• Comfortable round-trip transport from Tirana by private vehicle

Highlights - 3 day Albanian Riviera Tour from Tirana, including Ksamil beach

• See the most isolated and breathtaking beaches of the Albanian Riviera, one of Europe’s last undiscovered coastlines.
• Visit Ksamil beach, the “pearl of the Albanian Riviera”and swim to one of the four little uninhabited islands in the sea.
• The Blue Eye of Albaniais a magical, natural wonder. The spring pumps ice cold water up to the surface with enormous force and due to its bright blue color it resembles a human eye.
• The Llogara Pass is the highest point on the coastal roadalong the Albanian Riviera. From the Llogara Pass (1043 meters), you have an amazing view of the Ionian Sea and the beaches.
• Gjirokaster city is a UNESCO World Heritage The city has stunning stone houses from the Ottoman period and a classic bazaar market.
• You will visit the Albanian Riviera with a private tour guideand you can customize the itinerary based on your personal interests.
• Private transportationto the Albanian Riviera.

Itinerary - 3 day Albanian Riviera Tour from Tirana, including Ksamil beach

Day 1: Durres, Vlore beach, Zvernec Island, Llogara Pass & the Albanian Riviera

Durres
After departing Tirana, we stop for a short coffee break in Durres. Durres is one of the most famous seaside cities in Albania, because it is only 45 minutes from the capital city Tirana. We will have a coffee in a cafe with seaside view towards the Adriatic Sea. And we will pass by the Roman Amphitheathre of Durres and the Venetian Tower for about 30 minutes.

Roman Amphitheatre of Durres
The Roman Amphitheatre of Durres was build in the 2nd century AD. At the time, Durres was called “Dyrrachium” and it was a part of the Roman empire. The Roman Emperor Trajan was leading the empire and Rome was flourishing.

The Roman Amphitheatre of Durres used to host gladiator spectacles and other events. It was an attraction for the citizens, travelers and merchants. The theatre could seat approximately 15000 to 18000 spectators. The theatre was re-discovered only recently in 1966. We will walk along the pathway above the theatre, from where you can look down onto the arena.

The Venetian Tower of Durres
The Venetian Tower of Durres is a large round tower which remains of the former Durres Castle. The castle was initially build in the 5th century by the Byzantine Emperor Anastasius. The Venetians extended the castle in the first half of the fiftheenth century, when Durres was ruled by the Republic of Venice. Today, few structures of the castle remain, only the tower and one ancient wall can be seen.

Vlore Beach
After visiting Durres, we drive south towards the large coastal city Vlore. Vlore is a very popular and large beachside city. It is also the starting point of the Albanian Riviera, which leads from Vlore southwards to Saranda. The city is built around a large horseshoe bay in the sea. Along the bay, there is a popular beachside promenade called Lungomare. Along this promenade, you can find many shops, restaurants, clubs, coffee houses and bars. 

Sightseeing at Zvernec Island
After spending some time at Vlore beach, we will make a 30 minute stop at Zvernec Island. Zvernec Island is a little island in the Narta Lagoon. A long bridge leads you from the mainland to Zvernec Island. On the island, you can visit the little Zvernec monastery. The island is a beautiful location to make pictures.

Overnight stay in a 3-star hotel in Vlore

Day 2: Driving along the Albanian Riviera, including Llogara Pass, Dhermi beach, Jale beach, Borsh beach, Porto Palermo, Saranda and Ksamil beach

Breakfast at the hotel in Vlore

Llogara Pass
From Vlore, we will start our drive along the coastal road in the direction of Saranda and make a stop at the Llogara Pass. The Llogara Pass is a mountain pass on the coastal road. It is the highest point on the coastal road, at a height of 1027 meters. It has a beautiful viewpoint, where you can make a stop to take pictures. From the pass, you will have a spectacular view of Palase beach, the Dhermi village and the Ionian Sea.

After visting the Llogara Pass, we will drive down the winding road towards the most beautiful beaches of the Albanian Riviera. The riviera has Mediterraenean villages, historical castles, Orthodox churches, white beaches, hidden caves and hundreds of olive threes.

Dhermi beach
Dhermi beach is one of the most famous beaches in the Albanian Riviera. Dhermi is a lovely little village with hillside houses and a long stretch of beach. During the summer months, it attracts young people and it has a vibrant atmosphere. We will stop to relax and swim in the sea, before continuing our journey.

Jala beach
Jale beach is a little beach village in the middle of the Albanian Riviera. The beach of Jale is known for its incredibly clear water. The beach is surrounded by hills on both sides and it is usually one of the quieter spots in the Albanian Riviera. You will have some free time to explore the beach.

Himare beach
We transfer to the village of Himare. Himare is a larger village in the middle of the Albanian Riviera. There is a traditional village on the hillside, from where you can look down onto the beach and sea. There is a small walking tour of the old village, which is on the hill. You can see some of the traditional houses, which are on the hillside. Moreover, since the village is on the hill it offers a beautiful view towards the Ionian Sea.

Porto Palermo and the Castle of Ali Pasha
Porto Palermo is a large blue bay in the Albanian Riviera. In the middle of the Bay of Porto Palermo, you can visit the Castle of Ali Pasha.

The castle of Ali Pasha is a triangular-shaped fortress on a little island in the Bay of Porto Palermo. The castle is very picturesque and from the rooftop, you have a stunning view of the sea.

Although, many guidebooks state that the castle was build by Ali Pasha, the Albanian governor during the Ottoman empire. It is actually not true, and the castle was build by the Venetians. Because it gave the Venetians easy acccess by sea and it has the same triangular design as the Venetian castle in Butrint.

It is very likely that the written history was changed during the communist period. The communists wanted to believe that the Albanian Ali Pasha constructed the castle. Because it is more in line with the communist nationalist ideas. During the communism, the castle was used as a Soviet submarine base.

Borsh Beach
The beach of Borsh is an impressive sight, because the beach is extremely long. You can choose to stay amongst other people, close to the restaurants. Or you can walk along the beach to be by yourself. The beach has perfect clear blue water and there is a good restaurant at the beach as well.

Saranda
Saranda is a vibrant coastal city in the south of Albania, close to the Greek border. The city is often called “the unofficial capital of the Albanian Riviera”. The large coastal city has a variety of restaurants, bars, clubs and coffee houses. In the evening, the entire city lights up and you can walk along the promenade by the water. 

Ksamil
Ksamil beach is a paradise-like beach in the South of Albania. Therefore, the Albanian people describe Ksamil beach as “the pearl of the Albanian Riviera”. Without a doubt, Ksamil beach is the prettiest beach in the country. The beach is set on a little peninsula with perfect white sand. And the water in the bay is a bright green colour and the clearest water you have ever seen.

At Ksamil beach, there are four little islands in the sea close to the beach. The most famous are the twin islands, which are connected to each other by a narrow strip of land. If you have always wanted to visit an uninhibited island, this is your chance. From the beach, you can swim to the nearest island. Or you can rent a boat or kayak to visit the islands, which are further away.

Overnight stay in a 3-star hotel in Ksamil

Day 3: The Blue Eye of Albania & Gjirokaster UNESCO sight

Breakfast at the Hotel in Ksamil

Blue Eye of Albania
The Blue Eye of Albania is one of the most beautiful places to see in Albania. The Blue Eye is a natural fresh water spring. The natural spring pumps bright blue water to the surface of the river. The Blue Eye has become a touristic attraction, since the water of the spring is a magical blue colour. The water is so bright, that you won’t believe it is all natural.

Moreover, the spring resembles a human eye. The dark underwater cave looks like the black pupil of a human eye. And the bright blue water looks like the iris of a human eye. If you dare, you can jump into the Blue Eye spring, which is more than 50 metres deep. But bare in mind that the water is ice cold all year long.

Gjirokaster city
Gjirokaster is a historical city, which is on the UNESCO heritage list. Walking through Gjirokaster gives you an insight into what the city was like during the Turkish Ottoman Empire. The city has typical stone houses and cobble stone streets. Therefore, Gjirokaster is also knows as the “stone city”.

The city of Gjirokaster is known in Albania as a “museum city”, because it has beautiful historical buildings everywhere. It is a lovely city to stroll through.

Gjirokaster Castle
The Gjirokaster Castle is a large fortress on the top of a hill in the city. The fortress has a spectacular view of the historical city and the traditional stone houses of Gjirokaster. It is one of the biggest hilltop castles in the Balkans and it therefore dominates the city.

The castle was originally build in the 12th century by the local Byzantine government. But it was renovated and additions were made during the Byzantine rule, the Ottoman empire and the government of King Zog. From the 1930 onwards, it was mainly used as a prison for people who were resistant against the government.

Old Bazaar of Gjirokaster
The Old Bazaar of Gjirokaster is the traditional market place in Gjirokaster. The bazaar was originally build in the Middle Ages. There are a variety of craftsmen, souvenir shops and coffee houses along the Bazaar. You can buy handmade wooden pieces, handwoven rugs and delicate lace items. The street of the Bazaar is made of cobblestones and it set on a steep hillside.

Inclusions - 3 day Albanian Riviera Tour from Tirana, including Ksamil beach

• Private transportation
• Private tour guide
• Hotel pick-up and drop off in Tirana
• 1 night stay in 3-star hotel in Vlore
• 1 night stay in 3-star hotel in Ksamil
• 2 x breakfast

Exclusions - 3 day Albanian Riviera Tour from Tirana, including Ksamil beach

• Lunch and Dinner
• Tips and gratuities